Effects of a sudden increase in natural mortality of adults on a population of the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

A northern population of snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) centred around Lake Sasajewun in the Wildlife Research Area in Algonquin Park, Ontario, has been studied and individually marked since 1972. From 1972 to 1985, annual mortality and survivorship of adult females had been estimated at 1 and 96.6%, respectively, and only six dead turtles were found. Lake Sasajewun's population of C. serpentina was estimated in 1978–1979 and 1984–1985 …